So what is Reinvent the Toilet Challenge and Fair? According to a press release via the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, organizers of the event, it is:

“…a competition in which scientists from 22 universities from around the world were asked to invent a waterless, hygienic toilet that is safe, and affordable for people in the developing world… the new toilet cannot be connected to a sewer, uses no water nor electricity… Eight universities will be awarded grants to ‘reinvent the toilet.’ “

Prince Willem-Alexander of Oranje was invited to the event “… in his role as President of the Advisory Board for Water and Sanitation by the Secretary General of the United Nations.” During the two-day fair, the prince, along with Mr. Gates and other officials viewed various toilets, spoke with the inventors and gave speeches.